Locations:

Glycopyrrolate; Formoterol Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)

Glycopyrrolate and formoterol are medications in an inhaler that open up your airways to make it easier to breathe. It treats COPD but doesn’t treat sudden COPD attacks. You can take this medication after shaking the canister well. Follow the instructions on the label to administer the medication into your airways properly.

What is this medication?

GLYCOPYRROLATE; FORMOTEROL (glye koe PYE roe late; for MOH te rol) treats chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by opening the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe. It is a combination of an anticholinergic and a bronchodilator. It is often called a controller inhaler. Do not use it to treat a sudden COPD flare-up.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Bevespi

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Diabetes
  • Glaucoma
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Prostate disease
  • Seizures
  • Thyroid disease
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to glycopyrrolate, formoterol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is inhaled through the mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not use it more often than directed. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. It is not approved for use in children.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Cisapride
  • Dofetilide
  • Dronedarone
  • Other medications that contain long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABAs) like formoterol, indacaterol, olodaterol, salmeterol, vilanterol
  • Pimozide
  • Thioridazine
  • Ziprasidone

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
  • Certain medications for bladder problems like oxybutynin and tolterodine
  • Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
  • Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
  • MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
  • Other medications that contain an anticholinergic like aclidinium, ipratropium, glycopyrrolate, tiotropium, umeclidinium
  • Other medications that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)
  • Steroid medications like prednisone or cortisone
  • Stimulant medications for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
  • Theophylline

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

NEVER use this medication for an acute asthma attack. You should use your short-acting rescue inhaler for an acute attack. If your symptoms get worse or if you need your short-acting inhalers more often, call your care team right away.

This medication can worsen breathing or cause wheezing right after you use it. Be sure you have a short-acting inhaler for acute attacks (wheezing) nearby. If this happens, stop using this medication right away and call your care team.

This medication may increase the risk of serious asthma-related problems. Talk to your care team if you have questions.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your care team for advice. Some nonprescription medications can affect this one.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
  • Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Muscle pain or cramps
  • Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
  • Trouble passing urine
  • Wheezing or trouble breathing that is worse after use

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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Constipation
  • Cough
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Tremors or shaking
  • Trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep inhaler away from extreme heat, cold or humidity. Get rid of it 3 months after removing it from the foil pouch, when the dose counter reads "0" or after the expiration date, whichever is first.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If your cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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